Telechron electric clock repair hints

TELECHRON:
This is a type of electric clock that works on 110 volt 60 cycle electric
current. There are quite a number of different types of Telechron electric clocks
but only a few will be discussed here. The 2 most common problems with the
telechrons are the rotors (including the coil) and the actual mechanical part of the
clock. It has been my experience that if the coil is bad, it is usually because of a
power surge , improper handling , or just plain age.
The rotors that have a flat side on the shaft are usually the same as far
as the gear ratio and external size as those
that have a round shaft. Check the rpm rating , the size , the direction of rotation ,
and the diameter of to shaft. If the only difference is the flat side on the shaft then
either one will work. Of course you must file a flat side if all you can get is one with
a round shaft. Always check the power cord if it is worn anywhere replace it.
Be very careful where the cord enters the coil it will break very easily.
When the sequence is set , be sure that the trip pins on the centerpost are at
the hour position. If this is not done , the chime and strike will not release at the
correct time and the gear train will bind up or the tempo of the chime-vs-strike It is normal for the coil to heat up slightly ; it should not get too hot to
touch ; if it does , something is wrong. More than likely the coil is shorted. This can
be a fire hazard so be careful and be sure to check them out carefully. Some
alternating current hum is normal however it shouldn’t be too noticeable. Sometimes the
rotors are noisy ; it is gear noise that causes this. Don’t confuse this with hum.
Sometimes there will be both hum and gear noise. Replacement rotors can usually be ordered
from most clock repair supply houses. These rotors are becoming much harder to find.
As of the writing of this journal some of them are no longer available. The old rotors
were made of copper and were soldered together. They can be taken apart and repaired.
Inside the capsule is a tiny ac induction motor that powers a reduction gear train.
They are oil filled so I would not recommend opening them using any kind of heat.
I have cut them open by chucking them up in a lathe and CAREFULLY cutting a groove
in the top part of the capsule. If you look closely you can see where they have been
soldered at the factory. The newer rotors can be cut open also. They are made of aluminum.
The gears inside are plastic and so are some of the bushings.